This commercial is funnier in retrospect:
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Don't click the link...
...unless you want to see pure awesomeness. I think I need to take up a new hobby, and I even know where I could pick up some cylinders. (Hat tip: Jonah Goldberg at The Corner)
...Goes Around
Please read the previous post "What Comes Around..." before reading this one.
I knew since June 2008 what teams would be in the baseball district tournament with Cass City. Five teams...and one of them was Harbor Beach. I was also pretty sure,... yup, wait for it...THAT DAN BROWN WAS THE VARSITY BASEBALL COACH FOR HARBOR BEACH.
So, after this situation had happened, I started to come up with plans that were as evilish that I could make them...baseball-wise.
Knowing we would be playing against each other in the regular season, I contemplated running up the score as high as I could. However, knowing we could possibly face each other in the baseball districts (and we might not actually be good enough to run the score up even if we wanted to), why would I want to "even the score" in the regular season only for him to "punk" me in the baseball districts when it really mattered.
In the regular season, we were ahead 10-0 in game 1 and finished 10-3. We lost the second game 3-8.
Life can be funny sometimes, and wouldn't you know it, we drew Harbor Beach in the baseball district semi-finals.
I never told anyone on the team about my "ulterior motives," but I so BADLY wanted to mercy HB in the districts, squeeze the coaches hand, and tell him "don't ever swear at me again!"
Long story short, I lost the coin flip, so we batted first. We scored 4 runs in the first inning like a little leaguer was on the mound. Steffin Bader gave up 2 in the bottom of the 1st to make it 4-2. But, we answered back with 3 more like we were batting off a Tee in the second inning. The next inning was side toss and next thing you know, we are winning 11-2 in the 6th inning. I even stole home on a passed ball to make it 12-2 (which came after a call that Dan Brown argued forever, making my runner return to 3rd base, only to score on the VERY NEXT PITCH after the argument..."The ball don't lie, DAN!")
Final score, 12-2. I now accept your apology.
"MAN'S GAME" DAN!
What comes around, goes around.
I knew since June 2008 what teams would be in the baseball district tournament with Cass City. Five teams...and one of them was Harbor Beach. I was also pretty sure,... yup, wait for it...THAT DAN BROWN WAS THE VARSITY BASEBALL COACH FOR HARBOR BEACH.
So, after this situation had happened, I started to come up with plans that were as evilish that I could make them...baseball-wise.
Knowing we would be playing against each other in the regular season, I contemplated running up the score as high as I could. However, knowing we could possibly face each other in the baseball districts (and we might not actually be good enough to run the score up even if we wanted to), why would I want to "even the score" in the regular season only for him to "punk" me in the baseball districts when it really mattered.
In the regular season, we were ahead 10-0 in game 1 and finished 10-3. We lost the second game 3-8.
Life can be funny sometimes, and wouldn't you know it, we drew Harbor Beach in the baseball district semi-finals.
I never told anyone on the team about my "ulterior motives," but I so BADLY wanted to mercy HB in the districts, squeeze the coaches hand, and tell him "don't ever swear at me again!"
Long story short, I lost the coin flip, so we batted first. We scored 4 runs in the first inning like a little leaguer was on the mound. Steffin Bader gave up 2 in the bottom of the 1st to make it 4-2. But, we answered back with 3 more like we were batting off a Tee in the second inning. The next inning was side toss and next thing you know, we are winning 11-2 in the 6th inning. I even stole home on a passed ball to make it 12-2 (which came after a call that Dan Brown argued forever, making my runner return to 3rd base, only to score on the VERY NEXT PITCH after the argument..."The ball don't lie, DAN!")
Final score, 12-2. I now accept your apology.
"MAN'S GAME" DAN!
What comes around, goes around.
What Comes Around...
I had alluded to this story and finally have time to get back to it. And I'm glad I postponed the story, because it really got good. Better than I was hoping for.
I was refereeing a FRESHMAN boys basketball game on Friday, February 20 at Marlette. I was scheduled to do a freshman/JV doubleheader. It's a pretty good gig. Less than 1 hour of total drive time, 2.5 hours of work, $110. The opposing team was Harbor Beach. Before the game, my partner had mentioned the HB coach was a pretty good basketball official himself and did a lot of Varsity games in the Saginaw area. (I believe that, however I don't know how long ago that was. It's pretty difficult to coach a freshman game and then have time to do anything else after the game, let alone drive to Saginaw in time to ref.)
Let's cut to the chase. HB has the ball at halfcourt after the timeout with :09 seconds remaining. Marlette is winning by 2. HB takes a shot and misses. A HB player gets the rebound at the low block, right in front of me. IN MY JUDGEMENT, he was fouled, but a non-shooting foul. I blew my whistle about a half second before the buzzer went off to end the game. I called "on the floor," meaning he was fouled, but not when shooting. Again, the key here is, in my judgement, when he was fouled, he was NOT attempting a shot. Normally, at the freshman level, this wouldn't be all that bad because the other team probably had committed too many fouls in the half, making this a one-in-one situation for HB. But, HB was not in the bonus situation, so the game just basically ends. The HB coach new Marlette did not have enough team fouls to put HB on the free throw line unless it was a shooting foul. So, he was extremely...
In my 13 years of officiating any sport at any level, to my best recollection, no one has ever swore at me (that I've been able to hear).
Coach: (On the basketball court, following me to the scores table to report the foul)
Not only was he "giving me the business," but so was the Varsity basketball coach:
Varsity Coach: (Sarcastically clapping) "Great call ref. Excellent call."
Oh, and my mom was at the game that night too. She was sitting behind the HB bench, about halfway up the bleachers. However, she never mentioned anything to me about the call. I'm not so sure she even knew this happened.
Like I mentioned before, this was a doubleheader. So, I had to go in the coaches office in the locker room after the game, try to completely forget about what just took place, and the come back out for a much faster, competitive tempo JV game...with more people in the stands.
The ironic thing is, really no one knew I had to work the JV game as well, but the one guy I don't remember ripping on me after the game was the HB JV coach. He must have known there was a good chance I'd be reffing the next game, so why get on my bad side (not that I didn't want to stick it to HB anyway). Side note, HB won the JV game.
That was one of the more mentally challenging nights of officiating I've ever had to deal with. Some of you were with me at the 12-year old State Championship baseball game that I umpired behind homeplate with 2000 people in attendance. That was easy compared to coming out of the locker room for the JV game that night.
Fast forward to boys basketball districts at Cass City, March 9. HB was one of the 5 basketball teams in the district. I had "girls/opponent locker room supervision" duty for the districts. When HB showed up, I immediately recognized all the HB coaches, including Dan Brown, the freshman coach. I didn't know if he would recognize me in regular clothes and glasses 3 weeks later, but I sure hoped he would so I put myself in positions where it would be easy for him to see me next to the wall.
I never knew what I would say had we met again. But I tried to burn a hole through his eyes anytime we made eye contact. I so badly wanted him to know it was me.
Later that night, as the HB team huddled near the locker room waiting to take the floor, Dan Brown approached me. Dan is bald, mid-40's, shorter than me, but looks like he can hold his own. He shook my hand and deeply appologized for what he had said. (He also couldn't help himself from commenting/correcting my positioning on the floor when I refereed.)
I politely "accepted" the apology...
I was refereeing a FRESHMAN boys basketball game on Friday, February 20 at Marlette. I was scheduled to do a freshman/JV doubleheader. It's a pretty good gig. Less than 1 hour of total drive time, 2.5 hours of work, $110. The opposing team was Harbor Beach. Before the game, my partner had mentioned the HB coach was a pretty good basketball official himself and did a lot of Varsity games in the Saginaw area. (I believe that, however I don't know how long ago that was. It's pretty difficult to coach a freshman game and then have time to do anything else after the game, let alone drive to Saginaw in time to ref.)
Let's cut to the chase. HB has the ball at halfcourt after the timeout with :09 seconds remaining. Marlette is winning by 2. HB takes a shot and misses. A HB player gets the rebound at the low block, right in front of me. IN MY JUDGEMENT, he was fouled, but a non-shooting foul. I blew my whistle about a half second before the buzzer went off to end the game. I called "on the floor," meaning he was fouled, but not when shooting. Again, the key here is, in my judgement, when he was fouled, he was NOT attempting a shot. Normally, at the freshman level, this wouldn't be all that bad because the other team probably had committed too many fouls in the half, making this a one-in-one situation for HB. But, HB was not in the bonus situation, so the game just basically ends. The HB coach new Marlette did not have enough team fouls to put HB on the free throw line unless it was a shooting foul. So, he was extremely...
In my 13 years of officiating any sport at any level, to my best recollection, no one has ever swore at me (that I've been able to hear).
Coach: (On the basketball court, following me to the scores table to report the foul)
That is horse bleep. No way! You can't end the game like that! Are you kidding me? That is horse bleep. No way are you going to end the game on that!
Not only was he "giving me the business," but so was the Varsity basketball coach:
Varsity Coach: (Sarcastically clapping) "Great call ref. Excellent call."
Oh, and my mom was at the game that night too. She was sitting behind the HB bench, about halfway up the bleachers. However, she never mentioned anything to me about the call. I'm not so sure she even knew this happened.
Like I mentioned before, this was a doubleheader. So, I had to go in the coaches office in the locker room after the game, try to completely forget about what just took place, and the come back out for a much faster, competitive tempo JV game...with more people in the stands.
The ironic thing is, really no one knew I had to work the JV game as well, but the one guy I don't remember ripping on me after the game was the HB JV coach. He must have known there was a good chance I'd be reffing the next game, so why get on my bad side (not that I didn't want to stick it to HB anyway). Side note, HB won the JV game.
That was one of the more mentally challenging nights of officiating I've ever had to deal with. Some of you were with me at the 12-year old State Championship baseball game that I umpired behind homeplate with 2000 people in attendance. That was easy compared to coming out of the locker room for the JV game that night.
Fast forward to boys basketball districts at Cass City, March 9. HB was one of the 5 basketball teams in the district. I had "girls/opponent locker room supervision" duty for the districts. When HB showed up, I immediately recognized all the HB coaches, including Dan Brown, the freshman coach. I didn't know if he would recognize me in regular clothes and glasses 3 weeks later, but I sure hoped he would so I put myself in positions where it would be easy for him to see me next to the wall.
I never knew what I would say had we met again. But I tried to burn a hole through his eyes anytime we made eye contact. I so badly wanted him to know it was me.
Later that night, as the HB team huddled near the locker room waiting to take the floor, Dan Brown approached me. Dan is bald, mid-40's, shorter than me, but looks like he can hold his own. He shook my hand and deeply appologized for what he had said. (He also couldn't help himself from commenting/correcting my positioning on the floor when I refereed.)
I politely "accepted" the apology...
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
"Expecting you to be able to count to three isn’t unreasonable."
Hilarious take yesterday from Romey on "The Volcanic Milton Bradley."
With Man-Ram on “maternity leave”, we need to venture off to “other parts of the galaxy”. And back on “Planet Milton”, things are getting nice. I’ve been loaded up on the NBA Finals the last few days and wanted to double-back to Cubs’ outfielder Milton Bradley’s “act” last Friday.
As I’m sure you already know, trailing by two runs in the 8th, Milton caught a Joe Mauer fly ball…styled it for a few moments…and then tossed it into the bleachers. Better to toss the ball to the fans, than to slam a water bottle at their feet. Progress! Nice touch, Milton.
Or it would have been had it not been just the second out of the inning with runners on the corners. “Uh-oh!!!”
Of course, as unforgivable an act as that is, Milton’s inevitable reaction to it is worse than the crime itself: “…that’s life. These people have high expectations. I have high expectations for myself. I never made a mistake like that in my life. Sue me.” See, Milton, this is why you’re not misunderstood! Why the world really isn’t out to get you! But you could see how it might be after hearing something like that.
Striking out with the bases loaded in the 9th…that’s life. Forgetting how many outs there are and throwing the ball into the stands is unforgivable! That can’t ever happen! And what do you mean “these people have high expectations”?! Expecting you to be able to count to three isn’t unreasonable. Mix in an umpire indicator, my man! If you’re going to go “bonehead” like that…you better “own it”, “promise it will never happen again” and “just keep moving”.
Bad things, Cubs fans! He’s hitting .220, getting booed, the team is struggling and he’s hooking fans up with two out souvenirs. “Head for the hills, North-siders”, because it’s only a matter of time before “Mt. Milton” erupts.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
This is amazing
According to our bulletin insert "Church Around the World: News of Significance to Christians" June edition:
"Korn Member Becomes a Christian"
Quoting word for word:
"Korn Member Becomes a Christian"
Quoting word for word:
Another member of the heavy metal band Korn has become a Christian and overcome drug addiction. Korn's bassist, Reginald Arvizu, says he was an addict and womanizer who quit drugs cold turkey when his father, a born-again Christian, told him his dying wish was for his son to find God. Arvizu says Jesus Christ and the Bible were his only rehab and that the change in his life is 'an amazing and powerful thing.' A former bandmate, Brian Welch, left Korn after becoming a Christian in 2005. Arvizu has written a book called 'Got the Life: My Journey of Addiction, Faith, Recovery, and Korn.'
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Friday, June 05, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Reunion Update
In case those I forwarded the email to missed it:
THE LOCATION HAS BEEN DETERMINED!!!!
We will meet at Charmont for dinner at 7:00pm. If you plan to attend dinner please let me know. I need to let Charmont know how many of us there will be. Also, they have a buffet that night for $8.99 or we can order from the menu. Please let me know 9by 6/26) which you intend to do so I can give them a heads up. You can either email me on Facebook or email or call my email address/phone number listed below.
After dinner we will head to the tavern for drinks. No need to RSVP if you are just planning on coming to the tavern. Just show up! We will be there!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
The pen is mightier...
I don't know if I need a pen this tough, but I want one. A "tactical pen" sounds like the kind of thing I need to have. But maybe not at $80.
"Career Change"
Vince Young is talking about making a "career change" if the Titans want him to play behind Kerry Collins. I get that Young is frustrated, even though I can't blame the Titans for considering sticking with Collins since they went 13-3 and Vince had a few issues last year. My beef is all about language. I don't think he wants to make a "career change", more like a job change. What's he going to do, sell used cars in Austin?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Ein, Zwei, Die!
I'm not much of a horror guy, but this might be the best horror film ever (from Big Hollywood via Hot Air).
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Helpful Advice
When I mentioned to my friend at work today that I was considering possibly replacing my S10, he suggested I buy one of these:
His reasoning being that with the government soon to take a majority stake in GM, the Camaro will most likely be killed and become a collector's item. Of course, he also offered to keep it in his garage if there wasn't room in my apartment's parking lot, so he might have an ulterior motive.
If I did buy a 2010 Camaro, I think it would have to look like this (which, according to the Camaro website, is a $470 paint option):
And, yes, I'd buy an autobot badge for it.
His reasoning being that with the government soon to take a majority stake in GM, the Camaro will most likely be killed and become a collector's item. Of course, he also offered to keep it in his garage if there wasn't room in my apartment's parking lot, so he might have an ulterior motive.
If I did buy a 2010 Camaro, I think it would have to look like this (which, according to the Camaro website, is a $470 paint option):
And, yes, I'd buy an autobot badge for it.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Rack 'em
Check out the History of the Smack Off! What a great website. Just what the clones needed. I highly suggest you listen to Jay Mohr's and Joe in the OC's rants on the 2009 Smack Off.
Diamond in the Rough
The Red Hawks of Cass City played at Dow Diamond on Wednesday night. Check out the photos and the story here.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
"Biblically terrible."
This review of the Honda Insight 1.3 IMA SE Hybrid by Jeremy Clarkston of Top Gear is the best car review I've ever read. And by best, I mean hilarious. A small taste:
And it goes on like that. Awesome. (Hat tip: Iain Murray at The Corner)
And the sound is worse. The Honda’s petrol engine is a much-shaved, built-for-economy, low-friction 1.3 that, at full chat, makes a noise worse than someone else’s crying baby on an airliner. It’s worse than the sound of your parachute failing to open. Really, to get an idea of how awful it is, you’d have to sit a dog on a ham slicer.
And it goes on like that. Awesome. (Hat tip: Iain Murray at The Corner)
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Curve Ball
Here's the three best visual illusions in the world, as chosen by a group of neuroscientists and psychologists. The best one illustrates why a curve ball is difficult to hit, and will freak you out. (Hat tip: Jonah Goldberg at The Corner)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Best & Worst
According to SI, Detroit has one of the best owners in sports (Mike Ilitch, #1 in the NHL) and one of the worst (William Clay Ford, second worst in the NFL).
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Song and Dance Man
Sounds like Tom Izzo was pretty good at his one man fund-raising show "Izzo Goes To Broadway." I'm still having trouble wrapping my mind around the idea that Izzo was willing to go that far to help out Coaches vs. Cancer. That's why the man is the most beloved college coach in the nation.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Again?
I am shocked, shocked that Brett Favre is considering unretiring... again. It must feel good to be Tarvaris Jackson right now.
Baseball Update
For those living outside of Cass City, here is a quick recap of the 2009 Varsity baseball season. Keep in mind, our record last year was 9-21 overall, and 1-9 in conference play:
16 Official Games
6-10 overall
0-5 league record
"Fun" stats:
5 of our 10 losses have come by one run. (We had a 3-game losing streak of one run.)
Another loss was by two runs.
Number of victories by one run: ZERO
Number of victories by two runs: ONE
We just lost to Bay City All-Saints tonight (they were the 2008 Division 4 State Champions).
Game 1: 5-6 (We scored 4 runs in the bottom of the first inning. BCAS scored 2 runs in the top of the 7th inning to grab the lead.)
Game 2: 1-10. Enough said.
Of the 11 total innings that we played tonight against BCAS, the lead-off hitter each inning for BCAS got on base NINE times. That's a bunch of crap.
Last season, we gave up 3 or more runs in the 1st inning 16 times out of 30 games. We lost 84% of the time when we gave up 3+ runs in the 1st inning, whether they batted first or not.
This season, we've given up 3+ runs only 3 times. We've lost 2 and one game didn't count as an official game.
On the flip side, we've scored 2 or more runs in the 1st inning 5 times. Our record: 1-4 (that includes tonights 4-run first inning loss).
Positive Notes:
We have a freshman on the team. Let's just say we tell the defense, "Fence, coming your way!" He's got some power.
16 Official Games
6-10 overall
0-5 league record
"Fun" stats:
5 of our 10 losses have come by one run. (We had a 3-game losing streak of one run.)
Another loss was by two runs.
Number of victories by one run: ZERO
Number of victories by two runs: ONE
We just lost to Bay City All-Saints tonight (they were the 2008 Division 4 State Champions).
Game 1: 5-6 (We scored 4 runs in the bottom of the first inning. BCAS scored 2 runs in the top of the 7th inning to grab the lead.)
Game 2: 1-10. Enough said.
Of the 11 total innings that we played tonight against BCAS, the lead-off hitter each inning for BCAS got on base NINE times. That's a bunch of crap.
Last season, we gave up 3 or more runs in the 1st inning 16 times out of 30 games. We lost 84% of the time when we gave up 3+ runs in the 1st inning, whether they batted first or not.
This season, we've given up 3+ runs only 3 times. We've lost 2 and one game didn't count as an official game.
On the flip side, we've scored 2 or more runs in the 1st inning 5 times. Our record: 1-4 (that includes tonights 4-run first inning loss).
Positive Notes:
We have a freshman on the team. Let's just say we tell the defense, "Fence, coming your way!" He's got some power.
Quote of the Day
I was talking in the hall with a teacher today after the bell had rang. I was on my prep hour, he was heading to his classroom to teach. We were still talking at least 3 minutes after the tardy bell had rang and a student came into the hall:
Student (Female 8th grader): You're really slow.
Mr. Meunier (Teaching his 39th year): You're really ugly so get back in the room.
Student: You're mean!
Mr. Meunier: I know. But switch that around.
The joke is that his name is pronounced "Mean-yer." So, when you say the words "you're mean," it's the same pronounciation of his name, only backwards.
By the way, the entire middle school loves him as a teacher, so that's just how he jokes around with them. Plus, after teaching 39 years, he's taught all of their parents.
Student (Female 8th grader): You're really slow.
Mr. Meunier (Teaching his 39th year): You're really ugly so get back in the room.
Student: You're mean!
Mr. Meunier: I know. But switch that around.
The joke is that his name is pronounced "Mean-yer." So, when you say the words "you're mean," it's the same pronounciation of his name, only backwards.
By the way, the entire middle school loves him as a teacher, so that's just how he jokes around with them. Plus, after teaching 39 years, he's taught all of their parents.
Movie Review
Has anyone seen the movie "The Happening"? If you have, I'm curious what your explanation is to why the people were committing suicide.
Monday, May 04, 2009
The Buzz
The buzz on Facebook is that there might be a 10-yr reunion for the class of '99 over the Fourth of July weekend. Maybe.
I figure a real baseball trip is out this year, but would anyone be up for a Tigers game? Or a blowout minor league weekend? I've got vacation that I need to decide when to take.
I figure a real baseball trip is out this year, but would anyone be up for a Tigers game? Or a blowout minor league weekend? I've got vacation that I need to decide when to take.
Wow
I don't follow horse racing. I didn't bother to watch the Kentucky Derby. But I saw the end of the race on PTI, and 50-1 longshot Mine That Bird's win was amazing. As Kornheiser said: "...it looked like the other horses were running in oatmeal."
Also, I thought this Derby had quite a good showing of names. My favorites: I Want Revenge, General Quarters, and Atomic Rain.
Also, I thought this Derby had quite a good showing of names. My favorites: I Want Revenge, General Quarters, and Atomic Rain.
IRS Short Bus Kids
This is possibly the best comment I've read on government intervention this year. An excerpt:
Now that's an insult. (Hat tip: John Derbyshire at The Corner)
We've looked at the numbers and know what he's planning to do. I know dozens of people who are already putting the legal structures in place to move their companies and themselves offshore and away from the grip of the tax man. These are some of the smartest most dynamic people in the world and they'll have no trouble staying ahead of the kids from the short bus over at the IRS.
Now that's an insult. (Hat tip: John Derbyshire at The Corner)
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Memo to the Lions
If the Lions draft Stafford I'm done being a Lions fan.* I agree with Wojo: Stafford isn't worth the risk, and I don't think he's a sure-fire prospect. Did anyone watch them play MSU? An NFL-caliber quarterback would have carved up MSU's secondary, like Matt Ryan did the year before. C.J. Bacher (Northwestern) looked better against the Spartans than Stafford. My prediction: If the Lions take Stafford, fans are going to end up wishing for the good old days of Joey Harrington.
*For a minimum of one season. I reserve the right to return to being a fan of the Lions during the 2010 season or if Drew Stanton is named starting QB. Void were prohibited. Watching Lions football may be harmful to humans, small animals, and some monkeys.
*For a minimum of one season. I reserve the right to return to being a fan of the Lions during the 2010 season or if Drew Stanton is named starting QB. Void were prohibited. Watching Lions football may be harmful to humans, small animals, and some monkeys.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Huh?
Lego Rock Band? Well, obviously building blocks and rhythm games are meant to go together. I think I'm suffering from franchise overload.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Friday, April 17, 2009
Transformers
I felt like watching some Transformers, so I thought I'd share so everyone could enjoy. Here's the entire first episode of the original animated series:
Jumping off a building... for charity.
Hugh Jackman deserves some props for this, even if I suspect Wolverine is going to suck. (Hat tip: Kathryn Jean Lopez at The Corner)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Public Service Announcement
In case some of you are interested, Amazon currently has Prom Night on sale for $3.99. I know Ump's been looking for a good deal on this one.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
Arrr.
So we're negotiating with pirates now? I understand it in this situation to a degree, but I don't like the idea of that being the standard. Even kids watching Pirates of the Caribbean know what you do with pirates when you capture them: you hang them.
UPDATE: Or you send the SEALs after them. That's more like it. (Hat tip: Mark Steyn at The Corner)
UPDATE: Or you send the SEALs after them. That's more like it. (Hat tip: Mark Steyn at The Corner)
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
"PUNCHED IN THE FACE AND PUT TO SLEEP!!!"
RECAP
I'm sorry but somebody has to say it. I know there are many Sparty fans on this site and we have heard all about the success of this years MSU team. Here is how it went down in our house. I left for ice cream at approx 9:10pm when I returned at 9:20 I could hardly believe the score (24-7). What I can't believe is the fact that they just got beat in every way. What were they thinking trying to RUN with Carolina. I understand, you take it when you can get it. Maybe you get a easy basket here or there. They should have been walking the ball up the court. They Had to of known if they were going to win, this game has got to be in the 50's or low 60's. Right? Play MSU's pace not CAROLINA's. Rome's Take is exactly how I feel and I was also thinking MSU had a shot going in.
Michigan St. coach Tom Izzo had said if his Spartans play well and North Carolina plays well, State would lose. Well, Carolina was “unconscious”, the Spartans didn’t even bother “to get off the bus” and that was a straight up “mug-job”!
The Tar Heels went into Michigan State’s house, the most hostile environment imaginable, “speed bagged” them, chased that with a vicious “curb stomp” and it all lasted about five minutes. Tom Izzo said his guys looked like the proverbial “deer in the headlights”. Punched in the face and put to sleep is more like it! I had picked Michigan St. to win the game yesterday and Carolina made me look really, really bad. And Michigan St. even worse!
And while I have never seen a national champion team look more impressive or dominant than North Carolina last night, I have to say it is pretty tough to play the game with “both hands around your throat”. Could Michigan St. have come out any tighter? Could they have gripped any harder? Carolina had been there before and it showed. They were poised and didn’t force a thing. The Spartans completely unraveled and forced everything.
Look, everyone knew Michigan State’s best shot wasn’t going to be enough to beat Carolina’s best shot. But the Spartans never even threw a punch! Carolina came out, “cold-cocked” them and they never recovered. Michigan St. had a great season, and a great run in the tourney’. But not showing up or playing anywhere near to your capability in the biggest game of your life had to be disappointing. They were totally outclassed and frankly didn’t belong on the same floor with Carolina last night. That was a “boat race” and nowhere near as close as the 89-72 final score indicated.
CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE...
Look, I am a fan of the Big Ten and I am bigger fan of Tom Izzo. Therefore I was hoping State would win. I want to believe that the Big Ten is the best conference in every sport. The thing is, MSU didn't have any business being in that game. They did what they do and it got them there. You have to respect that and admire it. Izzo's streak of Final Four's with every class of kids is awesome and the ultimate recruiting tool. Do I feel they are one of the top 5 programs in the country...Yes. The biggest blessing in disguise is Kentucky fired their man, and hired their man before State was done. I'm not saying he leaves, but I bet "He Listens". You also know he's great coach by the lack of NBA talent. I mean who's the best, Richardson maybe. You give him more recruiting leverage with Kentucky and his coaching abilities and look out.
Reguardless, they had a great year by almost any standard and congrats to them.
P.S. They better hope they get back to a title game soon to get rid of the stink coming out of East lansing after this. Smells worse than Caro.
Late
I'm sorry but somebody has to say it. I know there are many Sparty fans on this site and we have heard all about the success of this years MSU team. Here is how it went down in our house. I left for ice cream at approx 9:10pm when I returned at 9:20 I could hardly believe the score (24-7). What I can't believe is the fact that they just got beat in every way. What were they thinking trying to RUN with Carolina. I understand, you take it when you can get it. Maybe you get a easy basket here or there. They should have been walking the ball up the court. They Had to of known if they were going to win, this game has got to be in the 50's or low 60's. Right? Play MSU's pace not CAROLINA's. Rome's Take is exactly how I feel and I was also thinking MSU had a shot going in.
Michigan St. coach Tom Izzo had said if his Spartans play well and North Carolina plays well, State would lose. Well, Carolina was “unconscious”, the Spartans didn’t even bother “to get off the bus” and that was a straight up “mug-job”!
The Tar Heels went into Michigan State’s house, the most hostile environment imaginable, “speed bagged” them, chased that with a vicious “curb stomp” and it all lasted about five minutes. Tom Izzo said his guys looked like the proverbial “deer in the headlights”. Punched in the face and put to sleep is more like it! I had picked Michigan St. to win the game yesterday and Carolina made me look really, really bad. And Michigan St. even worse!
And while I have never seen a national champion team look more impressive or dominant than North Carolina last night, I have to say it is pretty tough to play the game with “both hands around your throat”. Could Michigan St. have come out any tighter? Could they have gripped any harder? Carolina had been there before and it showed. They were poised and didn’t force a thing. The Spartans completely unraveled and forced everything.
Look, everyone knew Michigan State’s best shot wasn’t going to be enough to beat Carolina’s best shot. But the Spartans never even threw a punch! Carolina came out, “cold-cocked” them and they never recovered. Michigan St. had a great season, and a great run in the tourney’. But not showing up or playing anywhere near to your capability in the biggest game of your life had to be disappointing. They were totally outclassed and frankly didn’t belong on the same floor with Carolina last night. That was a “boat race” and nowhere near as close as the 89-72 final score indicated.
CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE...
Look, I am a fan of the Big Ten and I am bigger fan of Tom Izzo. Therefore I was hoping State would win. I want to believe that the Big Ten is the best conference in every sport. The thing is, MSU didn't have any business being in that game. They did what they do and it got them there. You have to respect that and admire it. Izzo's streak of Final Four's with every class of kids is awesome and the ultimate recruiting tool. Do I feel they are one of the top 5 programs in the country...Yes. The biggest blessing in disguise is Kentucky fired their man, and hired their man before State was done. I'm not saying he leaves, but I bet "He Listens". You also know he's great coach by the lack of NBA talent. I mean who's the best, Richardson maybe. You give him more recruiting leverage with Kentucky and his coaching abilities and look out.
Reguardless, they had a great year by almost any standard and congrats to them.
P.S. They better hope they get back to a title game soon to get rid of the stink coming out of East lansing after this. Smells worse than Caro.
Late
Canada Dry
Tigers Manager Jim Leyland after finding out alcohol was going to be banned at the Rogers Center Tuesday night:
"That has no bearing on me," Leyland said. "I don't drink beer, particularly not during the game."
Monday, April 06, 2009
Spartan Spirit
I know I'm biased, but I thought this was really cool:
Way to go, Detroit News.
UPDATE: Okay, the Freep ain't bad either:
Way to go, Detroit News.
UPDATE: Okay, the Freep ain't bad either:
Sunday, April 05, 2009
BREAKING NEWS
I meant to post this before the Final Four, so it might not be as funny now. Sorry, super busy with class, teaching, baseball season,...and oh yeah, my school won't let me create posts on blogs. Buttholes.
I don't know if any of you have heard this already. You may have been out of town a few days or maybe your power went out for a night. Not everyone gets the newspaper anymore and so just in case you haven't found out, I'll just let you know: The Final Four is going to be held at Ford Field this year! But wait, that's not all. Michigan State University, you know, the team Ervin "Magic" Johnson played for? You may have seen his face in the crowd once or twice during some of the tournament games. Well, MSU not only has a chance to play in their home state in Detroit, but they've advanced to the Final Four! Incredible, right? This will be like them...THIS JUST IN:
MSU will be playing for the National Championship! But guess who it will be against? North Carolina! Again, I don't know if you remember this or not, but MSU and UNC played each other earlier this year. Ironic, right? Well wait till you hear this: They played AT FORD FIELD!?!? OH MY GOSH! That is freakin' unreal. What are the odds? I did some huge research and found another incredible fact about the game: This is the 30th Anniversary of the 1979 National Championship between Indiana State and...wait for it...Ervin "Magic" Johnson and the Michigan State Spartans. I can't believe there haven't been articles in the newspapers about this. Do you remember the game? Probably not. There were these two guys in the game that kinda made basketball popular at the time. Larry Bird from Indiana State and Magic Johnson from MSU. I heard there were a lot of people watching that game on TV.
So, if you didn't hear about this yet, I'm excited to be the first person to tell you. The championship game will be tomorrow night. If you didn't realize, that game will be like a home game for MSU, well, because MSU is from Michigan and the game is in Michigan. It's only 45 minutes away from campus.
Okay, back to a serious note: Was CBS and EVERY OTHER sports news anchor trying to ram that information down our throats for the last two weeks? How old did those stories get? How many times did they slam Magic's face on TV? How many 10 year olds were like, "Daddy, why do they keep showing that fat guy in the stands?" How badly did CBS want UNC in the Championship? How badly did they want a earlier season blowout to be a championship rematch, on the same court? I swear, every day, on every channel, on every radio show, in every newspaper was a story about MSU competing with the chance to play at Ford Field. If it wasn't already for the economy, that didn't help make me want to be from Michigan.
Talk about slow news days. Over and over and over and over, all you heard around here, even from Sam Merill and Mark Toragrosa, was MSU with the chance to play in front of their "home" crowd at Ford Field. People! You have journalism degrees! Use them! We are from Michigan. We already freakin' know about it. Also, if you are working in the sports department, no matter what career, you are more than likely communicating to sports fans. Who, more than likely, figured out last year during the Elite 8 at Ford Field that MSU would have an opportunity to play for the 2009 Final Four at Ford Field. They also probably knew about the December game at Ford Field between UNC-MSU and have connected the dots that they may see each other, again, at Ford Field, for the Championship. "Preaching to the choir." I don't care if you are an MSU fan. Even good news can get old. It's not like they were a 10 seed.
Congrats to MSU. I think MSU fan took a sigh of relief that Calipari took the UK job, because you know Izzo could get any job he wanted. And if Calipari turned it down, you know they'd flash big money at Izzo.
I don't know if any of you have heard this already. You may have been out of town a few days or maybe your power went out for a night. Not everyone gets the newspaper anymore and so just in case you haven't found out, I'll just let you know: The Final Four is going to be held at Ford Field this year! But wait, that's not all. Michigan State University, you know, the team Ervin "Magic" Johnson played for? You may have seen his face in the crowd once or twice during some of the tournament games. Well, MSU not only has a chance to play in their home state in Detroit, but they've advanced to the Final Four! Incredible, right? This will be like them...THIS JUST IN:
MSU will be playing for the National Championship! But guess who it will be against? North Carolina! Again, I don't know if you remember this or not, but MSU and UNC played each other earlier this year. Ironic, right? Well wait till you hear this: They played AT FORD FIELD!?!? OH MY GOSH! That is freakin' unreal. What are the odds? I did some huge research and found another incredible fact about the game: This is the 30th Anniversary of the 1979 National Championship between Indiana State and...wait for it...Ervin "Magic" Johnson and the Michigan State Spartans. I can't believe there haven't been articles in the newspapers about this. Do you remember the game? Probably not. There were these two guys in the game that kinda made basketball popular at the time. Larry Bird from Indiana State and Magic Johnson from MSU. I heard there were a lot of people watching that game on TV.
So, if you didn't hear about this yet, I'm excited to be the first person to tell you. The championship game will be tomorrow night. If you didn't realize, that game will be like a home game for MSU, well, because MSU is from Michigan and the game is in Michigan. It's only 45 minutes away from campus.
Okay, back to a serious note: Was CBS and EVERY OTHER sports news anchor trying to ram that information down our throats for the last two weeks? How old did those stories get? How many times did they slam Magic's face on TV? How many 10 year olds were like, "Daddy, why do they keep showing that fat guy in the stands?" How badly did CBS want UNC in the Championship? How badly did they want a earlier season blowout to be a championship rematch, on the same court? I swear, every day, on every channel, on every radio show, in every newspaper was a story about MSU competing with the chance to play at Ford Field. If it wasn't already for the economy, that didn't help make me want to be from Michigan.
Talk about slow news days. Over and over and over and over, all you heard around here, even from Sam Merill and Mark Toragrosa, was MSU with the chance to play in front of their "home" crowd at Ford Field. People! You have journalism degrees! Use them! We are from Michigan. We already freakin' know about it. Also, if you are working in the sports department, no matter what career, you are more than likely communicating to sports fans. Who, more than likely, figured out last year during the Elite 8 at Ford Field that MSU would have an opportunity to play for the 2009 Final Four at Ford Field. They also probably knew about the December game at Ford Field between UNC-MSU and have connected the dots that they may see each other, again, at Ford Field, for the Championship. "Preaching to the choir." I don't care if you are an MSU fan. Even good news can get old. It's not like they were a 10 seed.
Congrats to MSU. I think MSU fan took a sigh of relief that Calipari took the UK job, because you know Izzo could get any job he wanted. And if Calipari turned it down, you know they'd flash big money at Izzo.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
"We'll see you Monday night."
That was one of the best games I've ever seen. The emphatic Summers slam over the UConn defender was just awesome. And the unexpected scoring contribution from the "Dancing Bear"? That was great. I went from covering my eyes to running around the room cheering. Go Green!
Friday, April 03, 2009
Brain Drain
Of all the stories I've seen about how bad things are in Michigan, I think this one on how 49% of Michigan college graduates are leaving the state is the most striking. Why? Because it matches up exactly with my experience in the Quad Cities. My neighbors are from Michigan. I worked with a guy who went to Western Michigan who was from the Grand Rapids area. Someone stopped and talked to me in the Wal-mart parking lot because I had an MSU sticker on my pickup. The poll with the story speak volumes as well. Only a little over 13% the respondents even want to stay in Michigan. Yikes. Will the last one out please turn off the lights?
Thursday, April 02, 2009
To Chicago
So, I hope no one was pinning their hopes for the Lions on acquiring Jay Cutler, because the Bears have that covered. Does that make them the favorite in the NFC North?
Urban Cuisine
I know things are bad in Detroit, but I didn't think the inhabitants would be turning to raccoons for sustenance. Yuck.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Dream Team
There is much debate in the Tribune sports blog about, all conference selections, and All-Thumb Team, etc. The topic always becomes, who's the best Thumb Basketball player ever?
Let me start with the area, I can't speak of things prior to my being but I'll give it a shot.
1. BRAD REDFORD (Frankenmuth) Kid was lights out, pretty good stats for a freshman on a good Xavier team that made it to the sweet 16.
2. JORDAN BITZER (USA) Loved the killer attitude, Talent with the mental edge. I heard him say "Man's Game" many of times. (His brother doesnt have near the talent but was the best in the thumb that I seen this year by far.)
3. JOSH ASSLIN (Caro) I really didn't see him play all that much, He was big, Went to Michigan. A Big Ten school and played a desent amount.
4. MATT LEPAGE (Lakers) Loved to hate him. But when the quarter, half, or game was coming to an end, everyone in the building new he was going to take the shot and he nailed it more often than not.
5. CRAIG EMMERT (Cass City) Had a hard time with the 5 spot. Very difficult for me to pick Emmert over a Gainforth, Cramer, Brandon Bitzer, McPhail, Ignash, Ulfig, etc.) The difference for me was that he was a STARTER FOR 4 YEARS and was a major contributor all 4 years. Nice College career for a D3 or NAIA school.
Obviously. there are some good names in the past, but it was hard for me to rank just going off of a name. Schinner, Hartel, Haire, Commett, Ignash, Brain somebody from Bad Axe. Seth from lakers (Black Guy when Ulfig played)
Here is my Cass City top 5 in no particular order (to hard to do)
1. Emmert
2. Paul Ulfig
3. Hartel
4. Haire?
5. Commett?
I'm sure I am missing alot of good ones. Glaza comes to mind. Summersett maybe would crack the top 10 if you looked at the senior year only.
Be interested in your Top Basketball Players.
Here we go.
Let me start with the area, I can't speak of things prior to my being but I'll give it a shot.
1. BRAD REDFORD (Frankenmuth) Kid was lights out, pretty good stats for a freshman on a good Xavier team that made it to the sweet 16.
2. JORDAN BITZER (USA) Loved the killer attitude, Talent with the mental edge. I heard him say "Man's Game" many of times. (His brother doesnt have near the talent but was the best in the thumb that I seen this year by far.)
3. JOSH ASSLIN (Caro) I really didn't see him play all that much, He was big, Went to Michigan. A Big Ten school and played a desent amount.
4. MATT LEPAGE (Lakers) Loved to hate him. But when the quarter, half, or game was coming to an end, everyone in the building new he was going to take the shot and he nailed it more often than not.
5. CRAIG EMMERT (Cass City) Had a hard time with the 5 spot. Very difficult for me to pick Emmert over a Gainforth, Cramer, Brandon Bitzer, McPhail, Ignash, Ulfig, etc.) The difference for me was that he was a STARTER FOR 4 YEARS and was a major contributor all 4 years. Nice College career for a D3 or NAIA school.
Obviously. there are some good names in the past, but it was hard for me to rank just going off of a name. Schinner, Hartel, Haire, Commett, Ignash, Brain somebody from Bad Axe. Seth from lakers (Black Guy when Ulfig played)
Here is my Cass City top 5 in no particular order (to hard to do)
1. Emmert
2. Paul Ulfig
3. Hartel
4. Haire?
5. Commett?
I'm sure I am missing alot of good ones. Glaza comes to mind. Summersett maybe would crack the top 10 if you looked at the senior year only.
Be interested in your Top Basketball Players.
Here we go.
Disrespected?
After reading Ump's comment, I did some number crunching. From 1999-2009, the following teams have made it to the Final Four the amount of times listed:
Michigan State: 5
North Carolina: 4
Duke: 3
UConn: 3
Kansas: 3
UCLA: 3
Florida: 3
Maryland: 2
Ohio State: 2
Villanova: 1
Memphis: 1
Georgetown: 1
George Mason: 1
LSU: 1
Illinois: 1
Louisville: 1
Georgia Tech: 1
Oklahoma State: 1
Syracuse: 1
Marquette: 1
Texas: 1
Indiana: 1
Oklahoma: 1
Arizona: 1
Wisconsin: 1
Notice who's at the top of the list? Now, I listen to PTI today and the conversation is how completely unbelievable it is that MSU smashed Louisville and how they have no chance against UConn. People seem to be talking about MSU like they're Villanova, Marquette, GT, so some team like that, not one of the elite programs in the nation. UConn is a great team and the safe bet is that they'll win the game. But show a little respect.
Michigan State: 5
North Carolina: 4
Duke: 3
UConn: 3
Kansas: 3
UCLA: 3
Florida: 3
Maryland: 2
Ohio State: 2
Villanova: 1
Memphis: 1
Georgetown: 1
George Mason: 1
LSU: 1
Illinois: 1
Louisville: 1
Georgia Tech: 1
Oklahoma State: 1
Syracuse: 1
Marquette: 1
Texas: 1
Indiana: 1
Oklahoma: 1
Arizona: 1
Wisconsin: 1
Notice who's at the top of the list? Now, I listen to PTI today and the conversation is how completely unbelievable it is that MSU smashed Louisville and how they have no chance against UConn. People seem to be talking about MSU like they're Villanova, Marquette, GT, so some team like that, not one of the elite programs in the nation. UConn is a great team and the safe bet is that they'll win the game. But show a little respect.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Magic vs. Bird
On PTI yesterday they pointed out it was the 30th anniversary of the 1979 NCAA Championship game played between MSU and Indiana State, the highest-rated basketball game ever. One quarter of the televisions in the US were tuned to this game.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Hall of Fame?
Curt Schilling called it quits today, announcing his retirement on his blog. The debate, judging from Sportscenter and PTI is whether or not he will make the Hall of Fame. Now I know the Hall is pretty difficult to get into given the voting rules, but it seems to me if Schilling isn't a Hall of Famer then Cooperstown just isn't worth paying attention to.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Orange?
When did Syracuse change their mascot to the "Orange"? That seems kind of lame. Not even something like the Fightin' Orange, the Mighty Orange, the Tangy Orange, or the Orange Terror. Just Orange. It also looks pretty silly written on the front of a white jersey.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Watch Live
I think the ability to watch all of the NCAA Tournament games live online is possibly the greatest sports innovation on the internet. Being able to watch MSU as they're pounding on Robert Morris (the team, not the one guy) without having to pay for DirecTV is awesome.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Presidential Bracket
Well, I have to admit, I dislike the president a little less since he picked MSU to make it to the Elite 8. I know some are going to give him grief about doing this, what with the financial crisis and socialist takeover of America, but I kind of like (the brackets, not the socialist stuff). Of course if Bush had published his brackets he would have been ripped apart in the media...
Monday, March 16, 2009
Going Down
The other day when I was talking to my dad we both wondered what happened to Alabama tackle Andre Smith. He had been projected as the potential first pick in the draft, but had since disappeared from draft boards. Well, I just found the answer. Smith left the combine and planned to make up for it at his Pro Day. There he only managed to do 19 reps of 225 lbs.
.
..
...
Wow. That's amazing. In my prime as a below-average small-school varsity lineman I could have done 19 reps of 225. I believe that workout numbers are overrated, but this is ridiculous. You expect a #1 pick offensive lineman to be the Incredible Hulk, not Dazzler.
Just to be clear, for the less comically-inclined, this is Dazzler:
.
..
...
Wow. That's amazing. In my prime as a below-average small-school varsity lineman I could have done 19 reps of 225. I believe that workout numbers are overrated, but this is ridiculous. You expect a #1 pick offensive lineman to be the Incredible Hulk, not Dazzler.
Just to be clear, for the less comically-inclined, this is Dazzler:
What Not To Do
On Saturday Broncos coach Josh McDaniels and and QB Jay Cutler were supposed to meet and sort out their differences. Apparently that didn't go so well, because Cutler is asking to be traded. This is amazing. I know there's a lot of people out there taking the coach's side on this one, but I think I'm with Cutler. One thing you absolutely don't do as a new NFL head coach is look to trade your Pro Bowl quarterback before you've even unpacked your bags. A solid starting QB is the most valuable commodity in the NFL. To put yourself in a position to have to trade one away is either incandescently stupid or insanely arrogant.
March Madness
I just sent out another round of email invites for the Tourney Pick 'Em. If you don't see one, you can just click here.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Cowboy Vs. Bull
No, I'm not writing about a rodeo, though a good bull riding video would be entertaining. Apparently the Utah State Aggies' Big Blue bull and New Mexico State's Pistol Pete got into a bit of a scuffle at the WAC semifinal on Friday night. It started when Big Blue ripped the mustache off Pistol Pete. Some photographers say a man in the crowd offered the bull $100 to do this. Now, I'm no expert, but that sounds like a major breach of the rules of mascot etiquette and protocol. You can start a fight for honor, but for $100? That's weak.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Jon Stewart - Know your Role!!!
I would say that approx. 1 year ago I began watching "Mad Money" with Jim Cramer. As a man who is not overly enthusiastic about watching financial shows, Mad Money was different. Yes to I invest in the market, of course. Do I watch Jim Cramer and do exactly as he says and invest in what he recommends - No. But the show brings Entertainment to financial stuff.
As a guy who is not a fan of the Daily Show - Also an Entertainment show, I basically watched some of the show once, and it happened to be during the presidential campaign. As he basically expressed his man love for the current president, I never watched again, and then I scene him on the Tonight show or the Late show and he again professed his love.
If you haven't caught the episode view it here. There are also plenty of other commentary videos on like this.
Here's my thought:
MEMO TO JON STEWART.
1. Last time I checked, your show was on Comedy Central, it's a comedy show - your not Chris Hanson from Dateline doing an investigation.
2. Blaming Cramer and CNBC (a Democrat and a Obama supported during the campaign) for our countries financial meltdown, is LIKE BLAMING THE WEATHER MAN FOR GLOBAL WARMING.
3. Cramer makes "MAD MONEY" an entertaining show, something nobody else has done. You of all people Jon should be able to see the comedy and entertainment in the show. People don't tune in to the daily show for daily news. They watch it for ENTERTAINMENT.
4. Maybe your bent because your punching bag "Bush" is no longer in office so that takes all your monologue away. Maybe Cramer picked on OBAMA for his Spending errr. I mean Stimulus Package and that offended your MAN LOVE.
5. Maybe you lost a bunch of money like everyone else has or Maybe you were dumb enough to watch someone on TV and say I'm going to do that. Lets change it from "In Cramer We Trust" to " In Billy May's We Trust"
6. Find something else to bring ratings to your miserable show.
Late.
As a guy who is not a fan of the Daily Show - Also an Entertainment show, I basically watched some of the show once, and it happened to be during the presidential campaign. As he basically expressed his man love for the current president, I never watched again, and then I scene him on the Tonight show or the Late show and he again professed his love.
If you haven't caught the episode view it here. There are also plenty of other commentary videos on like this.
Here's my thought:
MEMO TO JON STEWART.
1. Last time I checked, your show was on Comedy Central, it's a comedy show - your not Chris Hanson from Dateline doing an investigation.
2. Blaming Cramer and CNBC (a Democrat and a Obama supported during the campaign) for our countries financial meltdown, is LIKE BLAMING THE WEATHER MAN FOR GLOBAL WARMING.
3. Cramer makes "MAD MONEY" an entertaining show, something nobody else has done. You of all people Jon should be able to see the comedy and entertainment in the show. People don't tune in to the daily show for daily news. They watch it for ENTERTAINMENT.
4. Maybe your bent because your punching bag "Bush" is no longer in office so that takes all your monologue away. Maybe Cramer picked on OBAMA for his Spending errr. I mean Stimulus Package and that offended your MAN LOVE.
5. Maybe you lost a bunch of money like everyone else has or Maybe you were dumb enough to watch someone on TV and say I'm going to do that. Lets change it from "In Cramer We Trust" to " In Billy May's We Trust"
6. Find something else to bring ratings to your miserable show.
Late.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Thursday, March 05, 2009
Tourney Pick 'Em
I just created the Cass City Monkie group for the '09 Yahoo! Tournament Pick 'Em. You can join by following this link. Feel free to invite new people.
Special Relationship
Obviously I'm not a fan of the current president, but even I am surprised at how he comes off as a punk after reading this story about the gifts he and British PM Gordon Brown exchanged when Brown visited this week. I've just gotta know, what were the DVDs? I'm hoping they didn't include something like, say, The Patriot.
UPDATE: Wow, this gets better (or worse): Brown is blind in one eye. So I think Obama is probably just a jerk.
UPDATE: Wow, this gets better (or worse): Brown is blind in one eye. So I think Obama is probably just a jerk.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Bigger Fish
After clinching the Big Ten title last night with little celebration, Spartan coach Tom Izzo had this to say:
That's what I like to hear. Bring on the big fish.
"I'm in the mood for frying bigger fish than the one I just fried."
That's what I like to hear. Bring on the big fish.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
The Ins and Outs of Baseball
I was at the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association (MHSBCA) Conference in January at the Soaring Eagle in Mt. Pleasant. The University of Baylor coaching staff put on the conference. Before one of the coaches made his first presentation to the attendees, he started off with this: (Keep in mind, this was completely memorized and he didn't miss a beat. In fact, I felt bad he didn't get any reaction. He deserved a freakin' standing ovation. But, I think everyone was just in amazement. I had never heard anything like it before. So, I did some searching and think I found it.):
You have two sides, one out in the field, one in.
Each man that's on the side that's in goes out and when he's out he comes in and the next man goes in until he's out. When they are all out, the side that's out comes in and the side that's been in goes out and tries to get those coming in, out.
Sometimes you get men still in and not out. When a man goes out to go in, the men who are out try to get him out, and when he is out he goes in and the next man in goes out and goes in.
There are two men called umpires who stay out all the time and they decide when the men who are in are out.
When three men are out, those that are in and still out are left out and don't score. Then the side that's been out comes in and the side that's been in goes out and tries to get the side coming in out.
When both sides have been in and out nine times, that is the end of the game. Unless, of course, both sides have the same number of not outs, not counting left outs. In that case, they continue to go in and out until after an equal number of ins and outs one side has more.
Quote of the Day
Shaq explains his business: “I’m the only player who looks at each and every center and says to myself, ‘That’s barbecued chicken down there.”’
"Gym Guy"
"Gym Guy." I think most of us know him. Jim Rome gave his classic take on Wednesday. I counted at least 7 characteristics of "gym guy" in his take and I can honestly relate with every single one of them while using the Rec. Center at EMU and their weightroom.
“Gym guy”! We all know and hate “gym guy”. You know this “cat”. He’s the guy who rocks the weightlifting gloves…that he re-velcroes before every big set. Unless he’s truly a purist and then just goes with chalk. The same guy, who grabs a complete stranger and says, “yo, bro, can I get a quick spot” only to freak out if you try to spot him or assist him in any way screaming, “I got it. Don’t help me!”
It’s the same guy who when you’re in the middle of a couple of sets, asks if it’s cool if he works in, when he knows it not, and sweats up your machine. And if you tell him no, you’ve got a couple sets left, he’ll just set up shop five feet away and just stare at you until you’re done, muttering under his breath about how bad your form is. And the second you’re done, he stomps over and adjusts the weight as quickly as possible making sure you know how much stronger he is than you! “Gym guy” grunts like he’s passing a kidney stone and loudly drops dumbells on the floor after his dumbell press so everyone knows he’s “the guy” using 120 pounders.
Gym guy also loads his 60 megabyte iPod with Godsmack and Megadeath. And has different playlists for different workouts. The “pecs” playlist. And “delt” playlist. And trust me, they all rock…hard! And “gym guy” isn’t there to work out. He’s there to work! This is a job to him. In fact, he doesn’t even call it working out. To him, it’s training. Oh, and “gym guy” also double-fists his beverage…a gallon sized jug of water, chased by a bottle of “Carbo-Force” energy drink that he sips between sets. And that’s just to get him through the workout! When he’s done he sprints to the nutrition bar and loads up on “muscle milk” and a “whey protein shake” with a shot of “creatine”, because you don’t make your muscles wait for protein. “Gym guy”. Freak!
Dog Show
A few weeks back, the Westminster Dog Show was held. Don't think Jim Rome didn't have a few words to say about it:
What’s better than a great comeback story in sports? Who doesn’t love a once great, icon, turning back the clock one last time, for one final run at glory?! Who didn’t get with Jack Nicklaus during his charge at Augusta in ‘86 when he won the Masters at 46?! Or Jimmy Connors who brawled his way to the U.S. Open semi-finals in ‘91 when he was 39?! Legendary comebacks by iconic figures!
And here’s another one to add to the list. Stump, a 10 year old Sussex Spaniel, coming out of retirement to win the “Best in Show” award at the Westminster Dog Show. How a dog retires from being a “dog”, I have no idea… but who will ever forget Stump having to shut in down in his prime back in ‘04 because of mysterious illness. I know I won’t! Nor, will the other “freaks” parading their “surrogate children” around in a circle all day long.
Jim Brown and Barry Sanders couldn’t believe Stump walked away when he did! Then, the haters piled on…they said there was no way a ten year old could come out of a retirement and win this event. That there was way too much dog rust to knock off! That Stump would be this generation’s Willie Mays stumbling around in center field for the Mets or Johnny Unitas getting “hammered in the pocket” with the Chargers….whatever!
Never doubt the heart of a champion. Just as Sugar Ray Leonard shocked the world back in ‘87 by coming out of retirement to beat Marvin Hagler, so did Stump! “Go time, baby!” And no one knows it better than Stump the dog. Not only did he win, but he
“punked” the Scottish Deerhound, “Tiger Woods.” Obviously, that dog doesn’t have the closing gear of his human namesake!
I wonder if anyone else named their dogs Sergio Garcia and Phil Mickelson…if they just start whimpering when the “Eldrick” pooch shows up? Stump the dog. “Man!”
Heating Up
If you're like me, the Lions were so depressing that it's been hard to get into the NFL offseason, especially with the draft still a month away. But that should change now as free agents are being signed left and right. The big news is the Kansas City Chiefs have acquired Matt Cassel and Mike Vrabel from the Patriots for a 2nd round pick, number 34 overall. I can only conclude someone in the KC organization had comprimising photos of the owner of the Patriots, because that's a steal. Number 34 overall to get a solid NFL quarterback? That's a no-brainer.
The Lions have also started to move, signing former Seattle RB Maurice Morris and former Cardinals/49ers WR Bryant Johnson. There's also news that Jon Kitna has been sent to the Cowboys for a late-round pick.
The Lions have also started to move, signing former Seattle RB Maurice Morris and former Cardinals/49ers WR Bryant Johnson. There's also news that Jon Kitna has been sent to the Cowboys for a late-round pick.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Horse bleep
I don't have time tonight (getting pretty late) but I have a reffing story to share...and it involves a little "horse bleep." So stay tuned. I wanted to wet your appetite now so I can finish it later. (I've been waaaaaay behind on my blogging. Finally got a chance to play catch-up.) Unfortunately, my employer will not let me do anything with the blog except post comments to other posts. Dern internet police.
Who?
Okay, I'd like my turn at giving my A-Rod steroid take. I've had some time to think about this. It's my own. I'm not piggy-backing off of Jim Rome. These are my original thoughts:
I don't have the time to read or watch every 4 minute interview with MLB players giving there thoughts on A-Rod. But, what I have read or seen bothers me. The most common/popular phrase I hear EVERY player use is: "...it's unfortunate for the guys doing it right."
Who? Who's doing it right? Tell me. Give me one name. Just one time I want Jeter or whomever is giving their opinion to say: "...it's unfortunate that, cough, many players, cough, including MYSELF, are doing it right." How come NO ONE ever says they are one of the guys doing it "right." It's always "the guys that are doing it right." How is it that professional athletes are all about themselves and their ego, yet when faced with an excellent opportunity to once again brag about themselves, they fail to come clean and make a bold statement of "I am doing it right and it pisses me off!" I thought these guys were men. I thought everyone was only for themselves. No such thing as team. Now, no one is willing to put their money where their mouth is and claim they are "doing it right."
So, I ask again: Who are you referring to? Who is "doing it right?" Are you? Here's your chance, for the record, to clear your name.
I don't have the time to read or watch every 4 minute interview with MLB players giving there thoughts on A-Rod. But, what I have read or seen bothers me. The most common/popular phrase I hear EVERY player use is: "...it's unfortunate for the guys doing it right."
Who? Who's doing it right? Tell me. Give me one name. Just one time I want Jeter or whomever is giving their opinion to say: "...it's unfortunate that, cough, many players, cough, including MYSELF, are doing it right." How come NO ONE ever says they are one of the guys doing it "right." It's always "the guys that are doing it right." How is it that professional athletes are all about themselves and their ego, yet when faced with an excellent opportunity to once again brag about themselves, they fail to come clean and make a bold statement of "I am doing it right and it pisses me off!" I thought these guys were men. I thought everyone was only for themselves. No such thing as team. Now, no one is willing to put their money where their mouth is and claim they are "doing it right."
So, I ask again: Who are you referring to? Who is "doing it right?" Are you? Here's your chance, for the record, to clear your name.
Punked
Memo to Idiot: You are messing with Lance Armstrong. Freaking Lance Armstrong. The guy is a professional athlete. He's won the Tour de France 94 times. He only has one ball. He didn't even bother to take his eyes off the road as he slammed you into the snow with a forearm shiver...WHILE RIDING HIS 10 SPEED! How did you plan this to turn out for yourself? The guy kicked cancer's tail. You didn't think he could handle you?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Profit
Apparently taking over films of some of its properties, like Iron Man, did pretty well for Marvel. Next up? Iron Man 2 and Thor in 2010. And the Spider-Man musical. Wait, what?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
A Few Good Laughs
With me being the "MC" of the Cass City Missionary Church's long time tradition "music night" or "talent night" these may or may not be in between the acts. I thought I would share none the less. For example, "Jesus take the wheel" or something like that. Perhaps this "coffee" ad catches your eye. Or try this if you like sports. Or this if you like butter. Or if you want to throw down a few brews, watch this first. If your married you might like this one. Or maybe some free credit. There are many more. Enjoy.
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